Mission

Kun-Yang Lin/Dancers celebrates the ability of dance to integrate body, spirit and mind, inviting audiences worldwide to engage in their own journeys of self-discovery. Proceeding from a rich frame informed by diverse philosophies, living traditions and contemplative practices of Asian origin, the company performs original, contemporary works by its founder and Artistic Director Kun-Yang Lin. KYL/D inspires dance artists and audiences to examine the questions that shape us as individuals and communities, through world-class dance that integrates virtuosity with humanity. We believe in:

- Practicing a fearless physicality that resonates with the soul

- Setting in motion fresh interpretations of ancient traditions steeped in Eastern wisdom and sensibilities

- Inspiring cross-cultural approaches to community and self-discovery

- Igniting conversations about meaning and mystery

What We Do

CREATION & PERFORMANCE: KYL/D performs throughout Philadelphia, which has included FringeArts, Prince Theater, and free performances at Philadelphia's City Hall, the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Barnes Foundation. The company also tours and holds residencies at notable locations regionally, nationally and internationally.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: KYL/D regularly engages community at its CHI Movement Arts Center (CHI MAC). The INHALE PERFORMANCE SERIES showcases the work of diverse, emerging artists for local audiences. OPEN DIALOGS invite the public to view showings of KYL/D's works-in-progress, followed by conversations about the creative process with the dancers and collaborators. STORY CIRCLES invite community members of various backgrounds to share information through dialogue, movement and music which influences the creation of the company's next work. Examples include HOME/S. 9th St., informed by Story Circles with immigrants, and Faith Project, informed by Story Circles with practitioners of diverse spiritual outlooks.

EDUCATION & OUTREACH: KYL/D's main education initiative is the CHI Dance program. Designed for students in grades K-12, CHI Dance is modeled after Lin's signature CHI Awareness Practice, which focuses on developing the relationship of the moving body to breath, awareness and mindfulness ("CHI" meaning life force in Mandarin). The classes nurture students' self-awareness and impulse control in addition to providing safe dance activities in-school, after-school, and over the summer. Programming has included assemblies on Chinese traditions, such as the Lunar New Year.

Additionally, KYL/D has ongoing classes at CHI MAC including Zumba, Ballet, Modern, and unique workshops in mind-body practices of Eastern origin.

SERVICES FOR DANCE ARTISTS: KYL/D rents its studio at affordable rates to local artists for classes, rehearsals and performances. Additionally, internships are offered to 4-6 individuals annually to offer career-training and interact with leaders in the arts field, which also includes free classes and rehearsal space.